Scholarship recipients build their network

Recipients of the Oil Search Foundation (OSF) scholarship program marked another successful year last night with an event attended by high-level decision makers from the private and public sector.

Held at Port Moresby’s Hilton Hotel, the function was a chance for the 2019 awardees to meet and network with one other, as well as with representatives from non-profit organisations, universities and government. Several family members were also on hand to celebrate their success.

Committed members of their communities with a proven desire to drive change, the 25 recipients include; five future doctors, three future midwives, 12 future health workers, four future teachers, and a future business management professional.

All were warmly congratulated by OSF’s Executive Director Stephanie Copus-Campbell.

“Just by being a scholarship recipient, you have all already achieved something special, and made your families so very proud.”

“Don’t stop now, you’re just getting started. This scholarship is nothing more a springboard – PNG needs every single one of you to step up and soar. Think big. Be bold and bring others with you. Because at OSF, we know that when Papua New Guineans work together, they can achieve pretty much anything.”

“Our dream is to create a cadre of leaders who can drive change for their communities“Our dream is to create a cadre of leaders who can drive change for their communities.”

Copus-Campbell was joined at the podium by Tracey Vege, a 2018 scholarship recipient who told this year’s batch to consider themselves fortunate. “Not a lot of Papua New Guineans are given this opportunity you and I have been given, and I know that the knowledge and experience I gained from it will help me in my career.”

“I am now much more confident when it comes to both work and social settings. I am more willing and able to drive change for myself, my family and my community – and, hopefully, Hela and PNG. Therefore, my message to all the recipients this year is that, whatever dreams you might have, I know that this program will encourage you to pursue them.”

Now a midwife in Hela province, Vege used her scholarship to hone her skills at Lutheran School of Nursing in Madang province.

Prioritising education and health studies, the OSF Scholarship Program also has partnerships with the University of PNG’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific Adventist University, University of Goroka, Lutheran School of Nursing, St. Barnabas School of Nursing, and Rumginae CHW Training School.

Thanks to our partnership with the Voice Inc; a local development organisation that aims to build confidence in young people, recipients also received leadership training throughout the year.